Kobe Going Low With New Kobe IV

For his fourth signature shoe with Nike, Kobe worked with Eric Avar, Nike’s Creative Director of Performance Footwear, to create a lowcut shoe even lighter than the revolutionary Nike Hyperdunk.

Kobe talkes about the Kobe IV

An avid soccer buff, Kobe marveled at the stress soccer players put on their ankles while wearing a low-cut shoe and figured if they felt could they do that on the pitch, he could bring it on the hardwood. So one day in a Nike boardroom, he gave Nike’s performance footwear creative director, one specific instruction: Create the lowest, lightest basketball shoe ever.

At a press conference, Kobe showcased the Nike Zoom Kobe IV in a handful of colorways that include a Home, Away, “Carpe Diem”, and  a special Christmas game exclusive that he will wear against the Boston Nut Huggers on December 25th.  Check out the colorways available to the public after the jump.

 

Bryant is expected to wear the new Kobe IV for the first time in a game on Dec. 19 against Miami.

11.6 ounces (20% lighter than the average Nike basketball shoe)

Nike says Kobe runs an average of 2.5 miles per game, less weight on his feet means more energy on the court and the ability to move quicker, run faster and maybe even jump higher.

The shoe is expected to hit U.S. stores in February, with a $120 price tag.

Nike Zoom Kobe IV – Carpe Diem

Bryant says he isn’t worried about rolling an ankle. “If you come down on somebody’s foot,” he said, “you’re going to roll your ankle and there’s not a lot you can do about it.”